Capacity?

[Oducks12]

Haven’t had chickens in a while and built a new coop for a previously unused corner of our yard. We plan on keeping them in the coop/run most of the time with the occasional romp around the yard. Currently we have 5 8 week olds and are pretty sure we have at least 1 roo. Our ideal quantity is 4 hens. Thoughts on sizing?

Thanks!

 

[Steven Bussell]

I love it. Did you design it and build it yourself...

 

[Oducks12]

I did! Thanks for the nice comment.

 

[Cryss]

5 birds need 20sqft indoors not including nests, 50sqft run area. More would be better but this is standard minimum.
Is that what you were looking for?
The formula is 4sqft/bird inside(minus nests), 10sqft/bird in the run.

 

[Oducks12]

5 birds need 20sqft indoors not including nests, 50sqft run area. More would be better but this is standard minimum.
Is that what you were looking for?
The formula is 4sqft/bird inside(minus nests), 10sqft/bird in the run.

I guess my question is does the open area under the roosts count as run space? It’s a dirt floor in the open run area and under the roofed area.

 

[Cryss]

I guess my question is does the open area under the roosts count as run space? It’s a dirt floor in the open run area and under the roofed area.

Sure, as long as it is high enough off the ground. Chickens need to be able to walk comfortably underneath. Many people use this area as a feeding area, hanging feeder and waterer as it keeps feed and birds out of rain.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

The coop is very attractive! Can’t tell anything about the size, but Cryss has laid out the minimum square footage.

 

[jthornton]

You should put your location in your profile.

Looks well built. I don't see enough draft free ventilation...

JT

 

[Oducks12]

You should put your location in your profile.

Looks well built. I don't see enough draft free ventilation...

JT

Location is the Seattle area, so very few hot days and few cool days. Ive got ventilation holes cut on the ends and on the backside, plus the spaces between the corrugated roofing and siding. I’m planning on monitoring them as summer gets warmer to see if I need to cut in a roof vent of some sort.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Seek 1 sq. ft. of ventilation per bird. Ideally up high (for winter), so they can avoid drafts. In warm weather, ventilation can be at bird level.